90 Interesting Facts about Florida, The Sunshine State

Dan September 24, 2023

Florida, known as the “Sunshine State,” is a diverse and vibrant state located in the southeastern part of the United States. It boasts a unique geographical diversity characterized by its extensive coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Florida is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tropical climate that attracts visitors year-round. This warm and inviting climate varies from humid subtropical in the north to true tropical in the southernmost part of the state.

One of Florida’s most notable natural wonders is the Florida Everglades, a vast subtropical wetland often referred to as the “River of Grass.” Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Everglades is famous for its unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. Florida is also home to numerous freshwater springs, such as Wakulla Springs and Silver Springs, celebrated for their clarity and biodiversity.

Florida’s tourist destinations are world-famous, attracting visitors from across the globe. Orlando, in particular, is a hub for theme parks, including the renowned Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. Miami offers a vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural scene, while the Florida Keys provide a laid-back, tropical atmosphere. Other notable cities like Tampa, with its sports teams and cultural attractions, and Fort Lauderdale, known for its boating canals and upscale shopping, add to the state’s allure.

The state’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity is evident in its various wildlife reserves and conservation efforts. Florida is home to an array of wildlife, from Florida panthers and manatees to sea turtles and diverse bird populations. Wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers flock to places like the Archbold Biological Station and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to observe and protect these remarkable species.

Florida’s economy is as diverse as its landscapes. Major industries include tourism, agriculture, aerospace, and technology. The absence of a state income tax and business-friendly policies make Florida an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and corporations alike. The state’s ports, including the Port of Miami and Port Everglades, play a pivotal role in international trade and commerce.

Do you want to know more about Florida? Let’s take a look at these 90 interesting facts about Florida, The Sunshine State.

1. Sunshine State: Florida is often referred to as the “Sunshine State” due to its year-round sunny weather.
2. State Capital: Tallahassee is the capital of Florida.
3. Miami Beach: Miami Beach is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
4. Walt Disney World: Orlando is home to the iconic Walt Disney World Resort, one of the world’s most famous theme parks.
5. Everglades National Park: Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness of any kind in any U.S. national park.
6. Key West: The southernmost point of the continental United States is in Key West, Florida.
7. NASA Kennedy Space Center: The Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral is NASA’s primary launch center for human spaceflight.
8. Florida Keys: The Florida Keys are a chain of tropical islands known for their coral reefs and clear blue waters.
9. Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Venice of America” due to its intricate canal system.
10. St. Augustine: St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States, founded by the Spanish in 1565.
11. Miami Art Deco: Miami’s South Beach is famous for its Art Deco architecture, featuring pastel-colored buildings from the 1930s.
12. Orange Groves: Florida is known for its orange groves and is a major producer of oranges and orange juice.
13. Space Coast: Florida’s Space Coast is home to several space-related attractions and industries.
14. Florida’s State Tree: The sabal palm is the official state tree of Florida.
15. Florida Panther: The Florida panther is one of the most endangered large mammals in North America.
16. Biscayne National Park: Located near Miami, this national park protects Biscayne Bay, coral reefs, and marine life.
17. Gulf of Mexico: Florida’s west coast borders the Gulf of Mexico, known for its white sandy beaches.
18. Atlantic Ocean: Florida’s east coast is along the Atlantic Ocean, offering a range of water activities.
19. Cuban Influence: Florida’s Cuban population has a significant cultural influence, particularly in Miami’s Little Havana.
20. Dolphin Capital: Florida is known for its dolphin-watching opportunities, especially in places like Sarasota.
21. Marjory Stoneman Douglas: This influential environmentalist was known for her work in preserving the Everglades.
22. Gator Nation: The University of Florida’s mascot is the alligator, and the school is often called the “Gator Nation.”
23. NASA Astronauts: Many NASA astronauts have hailed from Florida, given its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.
24. Gulf Stream: The warm Gulf Stream current influences Florida’s climate and marine life.
25. Manatee Capital: Florida is home to the largest population of West Indian manatees in the United States.
26. Disney Springs: The Disney Springs entertainment complex in Orlando offers shopping, dining, and entertainment.
27. Siesta Key Beach: Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota is known for its fine, powdery white sand.
28. Dry Tortugas National Park: Dry Tortugas National Park is situated approximately 70 miles west of Key West. It is the westernmost and most remote of the Florida Keys. Its isolation and unique ecosystem make it a distinct and treasured part of Florida’s natural heritage.
29. Florida’s State Shell: The horse conch is the official state shell of Florida.
30. Flamingos: Florida is one of the few places in the United States where wild flamingos can be found.
31. Coral Reefs: Florida’s coral reefs, particularly in the Florida Keys, are part of the world’s third-largest barrier reef system.
32. Space Shuttle Atlantis: The Space Shuttle Atlantis is on display at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
33. Manatee Springs State Park: This park in Chiefland offers opportunities to see manatees in their natural habitat.
34. Cape Canaveral: The Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is a key site for space launches.
35. Venice Beach: Venice Beach is known for its shark tooth-hunting opportunities along the shoreline.
36. Florida’s State Beverage: Orange juice is the official state beverage.
37. Flagler College: St. Augustine’s Flagler College is known for its historic architecture and courtyard.
38. Fort Matanzas National Monument: This historic fort in St. Augustine is located on Rattlesnake Island.
39. Cassadaga: Cassadaga is a small town known for its spiritualist community and psychic mediums.
40. Florida’s State Motto: Florida’s state motto is “In God We Trust.”
41. Manatee Viewing Center: Located near Tampa, this center offers a chance to observe manatees up close.
42. Florida’s State Gem: The moonstone is the official state gem of Florida.
43. Florida’s State Soil: Myakka fine sand is the official state soil of Florida.
44. Florida’s State Horse: The Florida Cracker Horse is the official state horse.
45. Florida’s State Animal: The Florida panther is the official state animal.
46. Florida’s State Butterfly: The zebra longwing butterfly is the official state butterfly.
47. Florida’s State Freshwater Fish: The largemouth bass is the official state freshwater fish.
48. Florida’s State Saltwater Fish: The sailfish is the official state saltwater fish.
49. Florida’s State Bird: The northern mockingbird is the official state bird.
50. Florida’s State Beverage: Orange juice is the official state beverage.
51. Florida’s State Marine Mammal: The manatee is the official state marine mammal.
52. Florida’s State Reptile: The American alligator is the official state reptile.
53. Florida’s State Tortoise: The gopher tortoise is the official state tortoise.
54. Florida’s State Marine Fish: The Atlantic sailfish is the official state marine fish.
55. Florida’s State Flower: The orange blossom is the official state flower.
56. Florida’s State Wildflower: The coreopsis is the official state wildflower.
57. Florida’s State Salt: Table salt is the official state salt.
58. Florida’s State Heritage Tree: The sable palm is the official state heritage tree.
59. Florida’s State Historic Shipwreck: The 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet is the official state historic shipwreck.
60. Florida’s State Lighthouse: The St. Augustine Light is the official state lighthouse.
61. Florida’s State Stone Crab: The stone crab is the official state stone crab.
62. Florida’s State Oceanographic Society: The Florida Oceanographic Society is the official state oceanographic society.
63. Florida’s State Shell Museum: The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is the official state shell museum.
64. Florida’s State Historic Fruit: The Key lime is the official state historic fruit.
65. Florida A&M University (FAMU): FAMU is a historically Black university and has a rich history of producing leaders in various fields, including politics, science, and music.
66. University of Miami: Located in Coral Gables, the University of Miami is known for its vibrant campus life and strong programs in business and the arts.
67. University of Florida (UF): UF is one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment, with over 50,000 students. It’s known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and the sciences.
68. Florida State University (FSU): FSU is known for its strong football program and is home to the Florida State Seminoles. The university also boasts a renowned film school.
69. Walt Disney: Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the most visited vacation resort in the world.
70. John F. Kennedy Space Center: This iconic space launch facility has been the site of numerous historic space missions, including Apollo moon launches.
71. Miami International Airport: MIA is one of the busiest international airports in the United States and serves as a gateway to Latin America.
72. Cape Coral: With over 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral has more navigable waterways than any other city on earth.
73. Edison and Ford Winter Estates: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had winter homes next to each other in Fort Myers, which are now open to the public.
74. Largest Collection of Art Deco Buildings: Miami’s South Beach boasts the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the world.
75. Spanish Moss: Spanish moss, often seen hanging from trees, is not a moss but a bromeliad and can be found throughout Florida.
76. Alligator Alley: Interstate 75, which runs through the Everglades, is nicknamed “Alligator Alley” due to the abundance of alligators in the area.
77. Hemingway’s Home: Author Ernest Hemingway’s former home in Key West is now a museum and known for its resident polydactyl (six-toed) cats.
78. Conch Republic: In 1982, Key West “seceded” from the United States in a humorous protest, declaring itself the Conch Republic.
79. Sponge Diving: The town of Tarpon Springs has a Greek heritage and is known for its sponge diving industry.
80. Venetian Pool: The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is a historic swimming pool built in 1923 with cave-like grottos and waterfalls.
81. Art Basel Miami Beach: Miami Beach hosts one of the premier art shows in the Americas, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world.
82. Castillo de San Marcos: This fort in St. Augustine, built by the Spanish in the 17th century, is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
83. Crystal River: Crystal River is famous for its manatee population and offers opportunities to swim with these gentle giants.
84. Silver Springs: Silver Springs State Park is known for its glass-bottom boat tours, offering views of the crystal-clear spring waters.
85. Miami-Dade County: Miami-Dade County is the most populous county in Florida and is known for its diverse culture and international influences.
86. Sea Turtles: Florida is a crucial nesting ground for sea turtles, including loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles.
87. EPCOT: EPCOT, part of Walt Disney World, stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and is dedicated to human innovation and technological progress.
88. Rum Capital of the World: Key West is often referred to as the “Rum Capital of the World” due to its long history of rum production.
89. Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay is the largest open-water estuary in Florida and supports diverse marine life.
90. Florida’s Coral Reefs: Florida has the only coral barrier reef system in the continental United States, extending about 360 miles.

Florida’s multifaceted identity as the “Sunshine State” extends far beyond its warm climate and stunning beaches. It’s a state of remarkable diversity, where vibrant cities, rich cultural influences, and unique natural wonders coexist harmoniously. Whether you’re exploring the enchanting Everglades, enjoying the magic of Orlando’s theme parks, or savoring the fusion of flavors in Miami’s cuisine, Florida offers an abundance of experiences to captivate residents and visitors alike.

Florida’s rich tapestry of history, vibrant arts scene, and thriving industries contribute to its undeniable allure. Its role as a center for space exploration, entertainment, and innovation is just as integral to its identity as its pristine coastlines. With a welcoming spirit and a seemingly endless list of attractions, Florida invites you to embrace its diverse landscapes and cultures, making it a state that continues to shine brightly on the map of American life.